By Frank Ulom
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid Afegbua, has inaugurated the newly established Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in the state. He also dissolved all existing tactical teams, including Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Kidnapping Squad (Dragon Squad) and Anti-Cultism Squad (The Hunters), among others.
Inaugurating members of the VCRU on Friday in Calabar, CP Afegbua said the event was in compliance with the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s directives to the 36 States Commissioners of Police and FCT.
He also stated that members of the newly formed Squad have been profiled and vetted by a Screening Team, chaired by DCP Abubakar Arugungu Ibrahim, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Cross River State.
CP Afegbua said CSP Titus Udofia has been appointed as the Commander of the newly inaugurated VCRU, adding that the team will have offices across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Read The Full Speech CP Afegbua Below And All You Need To Know About Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU)
“SPEECH BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE CROSS RIVER STATE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VIOLENT CRIMES RESPONSE UNIT (VCRU) IN CROSS RIVER STATE ON 08TH MAY 2026
PROTOCOL
Senior Officers of the Cross River State Command
Members of the newly established Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU)
Members of the Press
Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen
1. In compliance with the Inspector General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM directives to the 36 States Commissioners of Police and FCT that we dissolve all hitherto existing Tactical Teams with the names Rapid Response Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Anti-Cultism Squad, etc, I hereby announce the dissolution of all these hitherto existing Squads in the Command and announce the establishment of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU).
2. This is in line with the IGP’s commitment to the transformation of the Nigeria Police Force to an institution that Nigerians can trust, respect and rely upon for their safety.
3. Members of the newly formed Squad have been profiled and vetted by a Screening Team which was chaired by DCP Abubakar Arugungu Ibrahim (Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department) Cross River State.
4. A Commander has been appointed for the squad, he is CSP Titus Udofia who has served as a Unit Commander 32PMF Abakaliki, 2i/c Commanding Officer 32PMF, ADC to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Quick Response Unit (QRS) Akwa Ibom State, Commander Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 27 Onna, CSO to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Commander Rapid Response Squad.
5. The Team has been trained by experts at Pyramid Hotel on Human Rights, Constitutional rights of citizens under the 1999 Constitution as amended, Provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. They are rooted in community trust from the outset and are accountable to the public.
6. OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK AND STANDARDS
Intelligence-Based Operations
All VCRU operations shall be intelligence-driven. No operation shall be initiated without documented, credible intelligence authorised by the VCRU Commander and known to the state CP. Spontaneous, random, or appearance-based operations are strictly prohibited. Also, CPs may direct cases of robbery from other divisions to the VCRU.
Uniform, Identification, and Vehicles
All VCRU officers shall wear the prescribed police uniform bearing the VCRU insignia during standard operations. Where intelligence-led undercover operations are authorised, officers may operate in plain clothes and use unmarked vehicles for the specific duration and purpose of that operation.
Arrest and Detention
All arrests by VCRU officers shall comply fully with Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. They shall have sectors across the three senatorial zones of the State.
7. A State Civilian Oversight Board is hereby established as directed with the following membership:
i. Prince Ntui Ogar as Chairman
ii. Remi O. Aduga as Vice Chairman
iii. Barr. Thompson Saviour as Secretary
iv. Comrade Emmanuel Olayi as member
a. They are respected independent representatives of civil society, traditional institutions, the legal profession and community leaders.
b. The Board shall provide civilian visibility into the general conduct and community impact of the VCRU, receive and channel public feedback to the CP, and promote transparency in the VCRU’s relationship with the communities it serves.
c. The Board shall meet biannually and submit observations to the state CP, who shall respond in writing within 30 days.
d. The Board exists to strengthen public confidence in the VCRU and to serve as a respected bridge between the Force and Nigerian society.
e. It is not a disciplinary body and does not interfere with internal Police Command or operational decisions.
8. The Command will collaborate with the State Governor for funding and support, this imperative for the effective operation of the VCRU. Dedicated resources are required to sustain its facilities, equipment, vehicles and welfare support for the personnel. An approach has been made to the State Government about this and we expect a favourable response.
I hereby pledge the continued commitment of the Cross River State Command in ensuring that we keep the State Safe and stable.
Thank you and God bless you.”
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